Australia Secure International Allegiance Switch for Serie A Star Cristian Volpato Ahead of World Cup

Australia have officially begun the process of securing Cristian Volpato’s international allegiance after the Serie A forward decided to switch from Italy to the Socceroos ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

The Sassuolo attacker could now feature for Australia at the tournament after Football Australia confirmed that the necessary paperwork has been submitted to FIFA to complete the change of association.

Volpato previously represented Italy at youth level and was eligible for the European nation through his Italian heritage. However, the 22-year-old has now chosen to represent Australia — the country of his birth — despite famously declining a call-up ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Football Australia announced on Friday that Volpato has been included in the national team’s extended “train-on” squad ahead of the tournament preparations.

The forward is expected to join Australia’s training camp in Los Angeles before Saturday’s international friendly against Mexico.

Should FIFA approve the switch in time, Volpato could make his senior debut for the Socceroos during the encounter, with another warm-up fixture against Switzerland scheduled for June 6.

Australia manager Tony Popovic is set to unveil his final 26-man World Cup squad on Monday.

Football Australia Awaiting FIFA Clearance

In an official statement, Football Australia confirmed that all required documentation had been submitted to world football’s governing body.

The statement read: “Football Australia has lodged all requisite paperwork to FIFA and is now awaiting a Change of Association Clearance from the world governing body to ratify Volpato’s decision to switch allegiance to Australia after representing Italy at youth level.”

The organisation also confirmed it had already received approval documentation from the Italian Football Federation.

“Football Australia has received a release letter from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

“Once cleared, Volpato will be eligible to officially represent the CommBank Socceroos.”

Australia are due to begin their World Cup campaign against Turkey on Saturday, June 13.

Tony Popovic’s side have also been drawn alongside co-hosts the United States and Paraguay in Group D.

The upcoming tournament will mark Australia’s seventh appearance at a FIFA World Cup and their sixth consecutive qualification for the finals.

The Socceroos equalled their best-ever World Cup performance in Qatar four years ago after progressing to the knockout stages before eventually being eliminated by eventual champions Argentina in the Round of 16.

Who Is Cristian Volpato?

Born in New South Wales, Volpato started his football journey in the academy system of A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers before earning a move to Italian giants Roma at the age of 16.

The talented forward later joined Sassuolo in 2023 and has continued to develop steadily in Serie A.

During the recently concluded campaign, Volpato scored twice and provided four assists in 24 league appearances for the Italian club.

His decision to switch international allegiance comes four years after he declined the opportunity to join Australia’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Former Socceroos manager Graham Arnold previously revealed that he had attempted to convince the youngster to commit to Australia ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

Volpato has represented Italy at several youth levels, including the Under-21 side, although the four-time world champions failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.